The Maryland Black Ice 18U/A finished out the fall season in spectacular fashion taking three of four games at the Baseliners East Coast College Showcase Nov. 5-6 in Sterling, VA. The players demonstrated strengths in all three phases of the game pitching, hitting and fielding, throughout the tournament which featured 54 top teams from the Mid-Atlantic region.  What made the performance all the more remarkable was that the MDI players were called on to play multiple positions as Coach Keith Calta made frequent lineup changes to show off the team’s skills to visiting college coaches.

The Maryland Black Ice pounded out 28 hits including eight doubles and two triples to score 21 runs in four games and the defense surrendered an average of just 3 runs per game.

While the weekend’s games complete the fall tournament season that does not spell an end to the Black Ice practice and training sessions. The players now begin twice-weekly speed, strength and conditioning workouts with a top Baltimore-area trainer — in addition to individualized hitting and pitching sessions that will continue for many of the players through the off-season.

Indoor team practices will also resume shortly as the Black Ice helps players prepare for their 2012 high school seasons. This year’s practices will feature current and former University of Maryland softball players Kerry Hickey (2011 ACC Pitcher of the Year), Nikki Maier (UMD starting second baseman) and Kathy McLaughlin (UMD starting shortstop), and perhaps some other guest appearances.

Congratulations, Maryland Black Ice, on a great fall —
and best wishes for a challenging and rewarding off-season ahead